Upcycled 99cent Store Gift Candle

Today I am going to share an easy and inexpensive gift for a friend.  I know that you probably love the 99 cent store as much as I do (well, almost).  So, hop in the car and visit yours.  If you are lucky you'll find a lovely 14-15 oz candle like I did. 

like these

Then, get out your scrapbooking supplies, glue and embelishments.  Have fun!  This is my result:

You can use virtually anything to embelish.  I used a copy of an old pic, a puzzle piece and some buttons on the left one and some bookpaper roses (which I make ahead and keep available for projects) and scrapbooking supplies for the other.

I used a white paper doily and a scrapbook embellishment for the left one and circus inspired paper and stamps for the one on the right.

And if you are motivated, buy a box of matchbooks while you're at the 99 cent store.  Then, cover them with paper using stick glue, like this:

This is a cute addition to the candle. I like to connect a couple books and then tie them onto the candle using raffia, jute or ribbon.

I like to buy up these candles when they're available at the 99 cent store.  The brand name on the bottom is Candle Lite; this is the same kind sold at Wal-Mart for between $5-$8.  They make great last minute gifts; I like to keep a few decorated ones available just in case.  Another great use for them is to embellish each one with a theme for a party.  Last year we had a party in the back yard and I had some of these that I had decorated with some adorable free printables of children playing and riding bikes.  It was the perfect theme for a party in the yard, and as the sun went down the glow from the candle light invited our guests to stay and talk.  Loved that!
Hope you had fun, I know I did!  Thank you for joining me, come back soon.

Welcome!

Yes!  I have finally entered blogworld after many detours and a long span in limbo.  I am so thankful for the encouragement and guidance from my friends and family.

My goal is to SHARE craft ideas and inspiration.  Here, we give credit where it's due.  I would never intentionally TAKE another's idea.  With PINTEREST in action, ideas are virtually endless.  And yet, I believe we can come up with fresh new ideas/projects and share them with one another.

I'd like to start with a craft [ART] idea that I got from this issue of Better Homes and Gardens:

This page:

The first "petal painting" I made was out of necessity.  I was invited to a bridal shower and I was broke!  I made a version of this "graceful maiden" above.  It was perfect.  It got raves.  I was hooked!  Here are a few pictures of other "paintings" I've made:

This is Louise. She is 1920's inspired. As you will see, I love that era!

Victoria

Flamenco Dancer

 





And finally, one that I challenged myself to do...A missionary couple visited our church and after dinner they told me they were going to look for a picture of an eagle for a souvenier for a friend.  I immediately told them about my pictures and that I would love to try to make an eagle for them.  This is the result:

I would love to hear from you.  Please, let me know what you think.  I look forward to visiting with you again soon!